School
Mommy and me infant and toddler early sensory learning classes in Hoboken, New Jersey and Waldwick, New Jersey. We focus on sensory play, socialization and American Sign Language. Each session is based on a book. Each class is inspired by a page within the book. Each class is a unique experience for the caregiver and child.
Our Nature School in Hoboken, NJ
The Nature School at Hugs & Bugs Club is a play-based, Reggio Emilia inspired preschool for children ages 2.5 to 6 in Hoboken, New Jersey. We are founded on the belief that children are natural born scientists, motivated to learn through exploration, investigation, and solving problems in an organic way. In a world that is mostly hands off for children, we believe it is their job to touch everything they can get their little fingers on, because we know it is essential to their development. It is our job to give them a safe and beautiful place to do so.
Our spaces are inspired by nature and sensory development, and designed to provoke the curiosities of our children. We welcome families and homeschoolers seeking a play-based learning community that focuses on social and emotional growth.
We are now accepting applications for the 2026 to 2027 school year!
“Hugs & Bugs was our son Nico’s first school, and we couldn’t have asked for a more caring, thoughtful, and nurturing environment. The teachers met each child exactly where they were, with genuine compassion and patience, and created a space where kids felt safe to explore, express themselves, and grow.
The program is wonderfully play-based and creative, with a strong focus on sensory learning, outdoor time in the park, and hands-on discovery. The classroom setting feels warm and inviting—not institutional—more like a second home than a traditional school.
What truly sets Hugs & Bugs apart is their out-of-the-box approach and deep respect for childhood development. Nico was supported emotionally, socially, and creatively, and we’ll always be grateful for the foundation they helped build. An all-around amazing school that we wholeheartedly recommend.”
What Every Day Looks Like
Small group setting of only 5 children for optimal peer socialization and individual attention
Focus on social and emotional development
Educational sensory activities aimed at developing gross and fine motor skills
Outdoor nature play in all kinds of weather
Integrated curriculum blending social studies, art, math, and science into daily activities and field trips around town
A calming, nature-filled environment, free of overstimulating elements
A private and secure app for parents to receive daily photos with descriptions of the day's adventures
Learning through organic, creative exploration
A Typical Day at Hugs & Bugs Club
Every morning begins with a warm welcome at the door. Children take off their outdoor shoes, wash their hands, and ease into the day at their own pace. There is no rush here. From the moment they arrive, the classroom is open and inviting, with materials and loose parts waiting to be discovered. Children choose where they want to explore first, building independence and confidence right from the start.
When the group is ready, we gather together for circle connection time. This is one of our favorite parts of the day. We sing, we share, we talk about what we notice and wonder about. It sets the tone for everything that follows.
Then it is time to play, create, and dig in. Sensory activities, art, building, storytelling and imaginative play all have a place in our mornings. We head outside in all kinds of weather because we believe nature is one of the best classrooms there is.
We come back together for snack time, a cozy pause in the day where children practice independence, conversation, and community. Lunch follows for our full day friends, and the afternoon opens up into quieter, deeper creative exploration.
Every day is different because every day we follow the children. Their questions and curiosities shape what we do next.
Find Your Program
3-DAY AFTERNOON PROGRAM
Ages 2.5 - 4 | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday | 3pm to 5pm
A gentle introduction to school life. Three afternoons a week, your little one builds friendships, settles into a nurturing routine, and discovers the joy of learning through play in a small, supportive group.
MORNING PROGRAM
Ages 2.5 - 5 | Flexible 2, 3, 5 days per week | 9am to 12pm
Mornings at Hugs & Bugs Club are full of sensory play, outdoor exploration, circle time, and child-led discovery. Teachers follow the children's curiosity to design each day, building confidence, independence, and a genuine love of learning.
FULL DAY PROGRAM
Ages 2.5 - 6 | Flexible 2, 3, 5 days per week | 9am to 2pm
A full day of deep, rich learning. Beyond the morning experience, afternoons open into quieter, more focused exploration where children dive deeper into science, art, math, storytelling, and the natural world. Perfect for children who are ready for more.
Our Teachers
At Hugs & Bugs Club, our teachers are the heart of everything we do. Each one brings warmth, creativity, and a deep respect for childhood to every single day. They are not just educators. They are observers, collaborators, and champions of every child in their care.
How We Think About Learning
What Is Reggio Emilia?
The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy that views children as curious, capable, and creative individuals who are the authors of their own learning. Rather than following a prescribed curriculum, teachers observe children closely, listen to their questions, and design experiences that build on each child's natural interests and discoveries.
At Hugs & Bugs Club, our Reggio Emilia inspired program means that no two days are exactly alike. Your child's curiosity about worms after a rainy morning walk might become an entire week of science, art, and storytelling. We follow the children, and they lead us somewhere wonderful every time.
Play-Based and Child-Led Learning
Play-based learning is child-initiated and carefully guided by teachers to expand on each child's curiosity. It is not free play as a reward. It is a rich, intentional approach where children learn through doing, exploring, and connecting with the world around them.
At Hugs & Bugs Club, we believe it is a child's right to play. Through play, our children develop eagerness to learn, number recognition, literacy, math skills, and sensory awareness. They grow socially and emotionally. They learn to regulate themselves, face challenges with a growth mindset, and build genuine friendships.
We focus on the whole child so that learning happens from a place of freedom and joy, not as a chore to complete before the fun begins.
“We have just completed our third full year of the Hugs and Bugs School, and I cannot recommend it enough. Our son began as a three year old, having never attended any drop-off programming/daycare prior. We were deeply appreciative of Olivia and the teachers’ commitment to gently guiding him through the transition. My son has always been a deep feeling, cautious, slow to engage kiddo, and over the years, he has blossomed into a confident, highly social, lover of school and his friends. I truly believe his H&B’s School experience greatly influenced this development. The focus on creative child-led play and nature/outdoor time have helped him learn to trust himself and his interests, embrace exploring, and enjoy the process rather than the outcome. The small class size and amazing teachers have helped him form rich friendships and each year it has felt like a loving, little family formed. We truly feel grateful for our experiences with this school. It is a true gem and Hoboken is so lucky to have it!”
Admissions
Now enrolling for the 2026 to 2027 school year!
Welcome! We are so glad you found us. Our play-based, Reggio inspired, play-based preschool welcomes children ages 2.5 to 6 into a joyful, nurturing environment where learning unfolds naturally through exploration and discovery.
We enroll on a rolling basis as space permits. Our small class sizes fill quickly, so we encourage families to apply early.
How to Apply
Review our program options above and explore our tuition information below.
Schedule a tour. We warmly invite all prospective families to visit us. A tour is the best way to see our space, meet our teachers, and ask any questions you have.
Submit your application using the button below. We will follow up within a few business days.
Welcome to the Hugs & Bugs Club family! Once enrollment is confirmed, we will send you everything you need to prepare for your child's first day.
tuition
Frequently Asked Questions
How will my child learn through play?
At Hugs & Bugs Club, play is not a break from learning. It is how learning happens. Instead of worksheets and drills, we follow children's curiosity and let the natural world be our classroom. Children count sticks, not dots on paper. They measure with leaves, mix colors in the mud, and build structures that teach physics before they even know the word. Every activity is intentional, rich, and rooted in real discovery.
How will my child learn routine?
While each day has its own rhythm and surprises, the structure of the day stays consistent. Children arrive, settle in, play, gather for circle time, head outside, share snack, and explore together. That predictable flow is exactly what builds security and routine in young children, even when the activities change.
Will my child transition well into a traditional school setting?
Yes! We hear this from families again and again. Children who come through Hugs & Bugs Club arrive at kindergarten emotionally grounded, socially confident, and genuinely curious to learn. Those qualities make all the difference in a new school environment.
Do you interview children for admission?
No, and we never will. Every child is welcome here. We believe children show us who they are through play, not through an interview.
What if my child has a speech delay?
No worries at all! We are happy to welcome your child's speech therapist into our space to support their work. We will collaborate however we can to make sure your child thrives.
What if my child speaks another language at home?
That is wonderful! Please keep speaking your native language at home. Children are like sponges and adapt and learn quickly. They also have a beautiful way of connecting and socializing with their little friends without even needing words.
What does the drop-off process look like?
We respect and honor each child first and foremost, and we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, comfortable, and truly trusted in their new environment. Our teachers have a variety of gentle methods to help with the transition, and we are fully prepared for some tears along the way. We are ready to give lots of love!
To help at home, begin practicing clear goodbyes: "Mommy is going to get coffee and will be back soon!" and then celebrate enthusiastically when you return. "Mommy's home! See, I told you I was coming back!" This simple routine helps children build the confidence that you will always come back.
We ask caregivers to remain nearby during the early drop-off days as we navigate the transition together. If we feel your child needs you, we will call you to come back. Our goal is to strengthen the bond between child and caregiver and between child and teachers, with every little one feeling loved and respected throughout the process. The separation journey may take one day or a couple of months, and that is completely okay. Patience is everything.
School Calendar
Our school year is full of special moments beyond the classroom. From family pumpkin carving and field day to parent teacher meetings, community socials, and professional days, there is always something to look forward to.
Ready to Join Us?
We would love to meet your family. Schedule a tour to see our space and meet our teachers, or go ahead and apply today. We cannot wait to welcome your little one.